Rants and Raves: Teen drinking a sound target

RAVE: For "Under Age, Under Arrest," the new statewide initiative from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board that focuses on underage drinking and binge drinking. It highlights the social and legal costs of irresponsible use of alcohol. Education is an important component of the ABC Board's mission.

State should have designed own exchange

RANT: For the shortsighted decision by Gov. Robert Bentley not to create a state-run insurance exchange as permitted under the Affordable Care Act, but to leave it up to the feds.

The states that did take the opportunity to establish their own exchanges - Kentucky is a notable example - are generally doing much better at getting their individuals and families covered. A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 270,000 Alabamians are eligible for tax credits under the health care law if they purchase coverage through the health insurance marketplace.

'City to watch' appealing label

RAVE: For the designation of Montgomery as a "city to watch" by Convention South magazine. The publication praises the city's hotels and "unique restaurants/venues" that are part of the downtown revitalization effort. That effort has been a well justified investment.

The Chamber of Commerce notes that bookings by convention, sports or tour groups this year are up 21 percent over 2012.

Medal well deserved tribute for Marine

RAVE: For the military service of Alabamian Robert Freeman, who was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal last week. Freeman, now 87, was among the nation's first black Marines and was recognized for his World War II service. After leaving the Marine Corps, he moved to Tuskegee and has lived there since. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers made the presentation.

Restitution plan almost laughable

RANT: For the ludicrous restitution order in the Harvey Updyke case. Updyke, who poisoned the famed oak trees at Toomer's Corner in Auburn, has been ordered to pay the university $796,731.98 - at $500 a month. It will only take 132 years to pay in full. Updyke is a pathetic character with virtually no resources, so there was never any hope of getting anything out of him anyway, but a 132-year payment plan would be laughable if the offense that prompted it were not such a mean and hateful act.

Trade missions can be good investments

RANT: For those who reflexively criticize trade missions, such as the current trip to Japan by Gov. Bentley, as mere junkets. Such trips can be pointless junkets, of course, but they also can be useful excursions that help draw new and expanded business to the state. More than 60 Japanese companies already do business in Alabama, and there is real potential for more economic opportunity here.